Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer spoke about a variety of issues affecting New York City and the Flatiron District, including the technology and food industries, during today’s Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership Business Improvement District Fall 2014 Speaker Series event.

Brewer discussed civic technology, calling for online data to be more accessible and used to develop innovative solutions to civic problems. She also touted the City’s new .nyc high-level domain and a new program in which her office will train paid interns from CUNY to use data and work with Community Boards on neighborhood issues.

“Civic technology is definitely something that’s part of your community here,” Brewer said. “In Flatiron you’re in the center of the technology sector. You’re also part of the civic technology movement by being part of the .nyc Founders Program. The Flatiron BID should be very proud.”

The Flatiron BID became part of the .nyc Founders Program, announced earlier this month, when it rolled out its new web address, www.FlatironDistrict.nyc, using the City’s new .nyc high-level domain. Brewer called on local businesses to reserve a .nyc domain in advance of the program’s public launch on October 8.

Brewer also addressed the City’s efforts to expand public WiFi access, which the Flatiron BID has facilitated by offering a free WiFi network in its Public Plazas.

“We are working hard to figure out how to have more connectivity that’s free and available for people and small businesses in the neighborhoods,” Brewer said. “It’s something that will be great for businesses and individuals, and for tourism too. It needs a much bigger approach. I’m really focused on it, and I know the BIDs are too.”

Other topics Brewer discussed included food and farming, community boards, and arts education.

Held at the TD Bank on 260 Park Avenue South, the event was part of the Flatiron BID’s periodic Speaker Series that draws representatives from local businesses, as well as residents.

Brewer is the 27th Manhattan Borough President, and previously served on the New York City Council for 12 years. In 2002 she became the founding chair of the City Council’s technology committee.